Duff provides a broad introduction for the general reader, covering changes in sleepA fine choice for reading while negotiating my very first jet lag.

Duff provides a broad introduction for the general reader, covering changes in sleep habits over the centuries, the medical and emotional impacts of sleep (and not enough sleep), cultural views on sleep around the world, the permeable membrane between dreams and waking life, and more. Well written and informative, with detailed endnotes.

I was in the mood for more straight brain sleep science but, I suppose that exposes my cultural rigidity and is my problem, not the author's....more

Yeah . . . Whose idea was this to read another book about sorrow (2 in a row with dead babies)? Anyway, this one is excellent.

Cohen has created charaYeah . . . Whose idea was this to read another book about sorrow (2 in a row with dead babies)? Anyway, this one is excellent.

Cohen has created characters with failings. They withhold the truth, they let mean words come out of their mouths, they are cold to one another when it would be better to be loving. She made me really care about them.

Though this is a sad book about troubled times in a family, it is not needlessly depressing or voyeuristic. It felt real and, maybe, hopeful.

Hamilton is a decent writer. I felt buoyed along for much of the ride, eager enough to find outThree stars seems harsh, but it does mean 'I liked it.'

Hamilton is a decent writer. I felt buoyed along for much of the ride, eager enough to find out what happens next. Then, unfortunately, she tells some of the exact same stories again, but not revealing any new twist or insight. In fact, for a memoir, there isn't much insight. Hamilton reminds me of the unreliable narrators of gothic novels.

Anyhoo, despite being divided into three main sections, there are really two parts to this book: Hamilton's journey towards becoming a chef, and her wanderings in her unsatisfying human relationships. It's clear that the experiences in Italy are very important to her, but I would have enjoyed hearing more about running a restaurant....more

Although narrowly written for those seeking corporate jobs, there is great advice in here regarding defining the job you really want, how to present yAlthough narrowly written for those seeking corporate jobs, there is great advice in here regarding defining the job you really want, how to present yourself on paper and in person, and the things you can do to greatly increase your chances of getting an interview. Worksheets and valuable web resources are included....more

Don't ask me why, but I was really looking forward to reading this book. Mostly, I liked it. And I learned some interesting new things, like there areDon't ask me why, but I was really looking forward to reading this book. Mostly, I liked it. And I learned some interesting new things, like there are many, many kinds of bananas, and bananas grow nearly all over the world, and, like corn and apples and so many other foods we take for granted, the plant has been changed over generations to become something sweet and tasty that we like to eat. I never quite felt like I got into a rhythm with the author's writing; the chapters were short. Too short, maybe. I'd read something, and it would feel like an incomplete thought, and I'd have to go back and read it again and it would still feel clipped. The book also zigzags in time and across the globe. What I really wanted to know was what is happening with bananas now & the science around trying to save bananas from Panama disease. I did learn that there are several devastating diseases threatening bananas, and that there are people for whom bananas are a crucial food staple. But this book was mostly history & politics, which I knew already, and not the science that I'd hoped for....more